According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles you must be 16 years old or more to apply for a vehicle registration in NYS. The NYS DMV does not require you to have a driver’s license or learner’s permit to apply for registration on a vehicle. These requirements also apply to the registration of a boat, a snowmobile, or an ATV.
The NYS DMV also goes on to say that there is no minimum age specified in law to apply for a vehicle title certificate. So it would appear that as a 16 year old minor with a junior license you could register and title a vehicle in your own name and not need to place your parents on your vehicle’s title. You may however need to have a parent sign on your insurance policy with you since you are a minor.
Most insurance companies will not allow a minor to start a policy without a parent or guardian signing on with them. This would especially be true if you do not yet have your full driver’s license but only a junior license. Most all insurance providers would want a fully licensed driver on your policy with you until you get your full license. The parent or guardian would have to remain on your insurance contract (policy) until you became an adult, so at age 18 you should be able to take them off.
Click here for your young driver car insurance needs. For more information on how to register and title the vehicle you plan on buying this weekend contact the NYS DMV. Their website has information and instructions on how to get this accomplished.